Where to go in March
12 destinations at their peak in March, plus 11 more that are still a good choice.
At their best in March
Rome
Italy · best Mar–May, Sep–OctThree thousand years of history, and dinner at nine.
Lisbon
Portugal · best Mar–Jun, Sep–OctSeven hills, yellow trams and the sweet ache of fado.
Tokyo
Japan · best Mar–May, Oct–NovNeon, temples and the most precise bowl of noodles you will ever eat.
Kyoto
Japan · best Mar–Apr, Oct–NovSeventeen World Heritage sites and a thousand quiet gardens.
Singapore
Singapore · best Feb–AprA garden city where Michelin stars sit beside hawker stalls.
Dubai
United Arab Emirates · best Nov–MarDesert dunes, record-breaking towers and a creek full of old trade.
Jaipur
India · best Oct–MarThe Pink City: forts, palaces and bazaars in Rajasthan's royal capital.
Mexico City
Mexico · best Oct–AprAztec ruins, leafy colonias and tacos at every hour.
Buenos Aires
Argentina · best Mar–May, Sep–NovTango, steak and grand cafés that stay open until dawn.
Cape Town
South Africa · best Oct–MarTable Mountain, two oceans and the winelands next door.
Marrakech
Morocco · best Mar–May, Oct–NovSouks, riads and the Atlas Mountains on the horizon.
Sydney
Australia · best Feb–Apr, Sep–NovThe world's best harbour and a beach for every mood.
Also good in March
Paris, London, Barcelona, Istanbul, Reykjavík, Bangkok, Bali, New York City, Cusco and Machu Picchu, Rio de Janeiro, Vancouver.
Festivals and events in March
Easter at the VaticanRome
Holy Week services and papal blessings in St Peter's Square. Rome guide
Cherry blossom seasonTokyo
Hanami picnics in Ueno, Shinjuku Gyoen and along Meguro River. Tokyo guide
NyepiBali
The Day of Silence: the whole island stops for 24 hours. Bali guide
Semana SantaMexico City
Holy Week processions, especially in Iztapalapa. Mexico City guide
CarnivalRio de Janeiro
Samba parades at the Sambódromo and street blocos. Rio de Janeiro guide
Cape Town Cycle TourCape Town
The world's largest timed cycle race. Cape Town guide
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi GrasSydney
Parade and festival along Oxford Street. Sydney guide